| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Keyser/100k people | West Virginia/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 72 | n/a (estimate) | 1,488 | 1,411 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 2 | n/a | 41.3 | 48.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 1 | n/a | 20.7 | 9.7 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 9 | n/a | 186.0 | 185.8 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 12 | n/a (estimate) | 248 | 249 | 359 |
| Burglary | 17 | n/a | 351.3 | 178.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 43 | n/a | 888.6 | 905.1 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 78.5 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 60 | n/a (estimate) | 1,240 | 1,162 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Keyser is 29.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 12 violent crimes reported in Keyser, equivalent to 248 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 30.9%. Additionally, Keyser recorded 60 property crimes, amounting to 1240 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 29.6%.
In the latest reported crime year, Keyser recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
The United States grapples with some of the world's most elevated vehicle theft rates, reaching around 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 individuals. Remarkably, only a limited proportion, approximately 10%, of cities have been fortunate enough to remain unscathed by reports of stolen vehicles. In the most recent crime report, Keyser emerged as one such city, recording zero reported vehicle thefts, affirming its status as a secure and vigilant community.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Keyser a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Keyser crime rate is 30% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.2 crimes per day - 0.03 violent crimes and 0.16 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Keyser crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Keyser has decreased by 6.5% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 200% and property crime has decreased by 17.8%.
Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. Keyser, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which differs from the national average of 4.9%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Keyser crime rates. For instance, in Keyser, the population density stands at 2572.4 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
Keyser has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.58 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
| Item | Keyser | West Virginia | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 14 | 1,642 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | West Virginia /100K | National /100K |
| West Virginia | 4,917 | 266 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Frostburg, MD | 8,747 | 14 | 101 | 115 |
| Fort Ashby, WV | 1,196 | 63 | 295 | 358 |
| Carpendale, WV | 1,028 | 65 | 302 | 367 |
| Bowling Green, MD | 1,324 | 213 | 1,039 | 1,252 |
| Romney, WV | 1,897 | 629 | 629 | 1,258 |
| Wiley Ford, WV | 732 | 236 | 1,100 | 1,336 |
| Lonaconing, MD | 1,313 | 236 | 1,151 | 1,387 |
| Keyser, WV | 5,081 | 248 | 1,240 | 1,488 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Suncook, NH | 5,080 | 80 | 669 | 749 |
| Carle Place, NY | 5,080 | 99 | 447 | 545 |
| Desloge, MO | 5,079 | 123 | 3,174 | 3,297 |
| Coal City, IL | 5,083 | 103 | 361 | 464 |
| Flower Hill, NY | 5,077 | 99 | 447 | 545 |
| Keyser, WV | 5,081 | 248 | 1,240 | 1,488 |
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